British Columbia - Young Hip & Married

Planning to tie the knot in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley but not sure where? Know you’d prefer an intimate elopement instead of a grand scale celebration? We’ve got you covered!

Below we’re sharing 30 of our favourite places to elope in the Okanagan, from central Kelowna to southern Penticton and northern Vernon. This is one of the most beautiful regions in Canada, with mountains, valleys and lakes all around, so you’ll be spoiled for choice!

PS: Planning a larger Okanagan wedding instead of a small elopement? Check out some of our favourite Okanagan wedding venues!

Once you have your location or venue in mind, next you’ll need your wedding officiant! Meet our team of Okanagan officiants and book your ceremony today.

Where to Elope in Kelowna

1. Knox Mountain

Knox is a local favourite in Kelowna and would make a great backdrop for your Okanagan elopement. You can book specific ceremony sites through the City of Kelowna or find your own spot for quick vows and photos overlooking the city, lake and flower fields.

2. Waterfront Park

Right in the heart of downtown Kelowna, Waterfront Park would be a beautiful and easily accessible spot for your elopement. For a bit more privacy, you can book the Pergola and enjoy a lush park space surrounded by a lagoon.

3. Sanctuary Gardens

Picture saying “I do” under a wooden gazebo with views of Okanagan Lake, wildflower fields and gardens all around you. That’s what awaits you at family owned acreage, Sanctuary Gardens. This venue is great for elopements or small weddings.

4. Kasugai Gardens

Located just behind Kelowna City Hall is Kasugai Gardens, a Japanese garden in the middle of the city. Enjoy waterfalls, a Koi pond and bridge as the backdrop to your elopement. This venue is open seasonally, can hold up to 25 people and can be booked through the city.

5. Bertram Creek Park

Locals and visitors alike flock to Bertram Creek Park in the summer, thanks to its beautiful views and stunning lakefront. Scope out the different trails, piers, beaches and covered areas to find the perfect spot for your elopement.

6. Kuipers’ Peak Mountain Park

After just a short 5-10 minute hike to the top, you’ll be rewarded with 360 degree mountain and water views at Kuipers’ Peak Mountain Park. While the hike is short, it is rugged and the mountain can be covered in snow in the winter. Pack your hiking boots!

7. Benvoulin Heritage Park

Benvoulin Heritage Park is home to a number of heritage structures and sites that could work perfectly for your Okanagan elopement. There’s the 1892 Gothic Revival style church, Reid Hall for larger receptions, and The McIver House and Benvoulin Heritage Gardens for photo backdrops.

8. Kalamoir Regional Park

If you’re looking for grassland fields, mountain views, beaches and a lakefront, you’ll find it all at Kalamoir Regional Park. Bonus, this park is dog-friendly, meaning your pooch can join you for your elopement!

9. Black Mountain Viewpoint

If you don’t mind a short hike up a gravel route with lots of stairs, you’ll be rewarded with an epic view at the top of Black Mountain Viewpoint for your Kelowna elopement. Enjoy wildflowers along the way and vistas of Black Knight Mountain and the lake.

10. A local winery

You’ll be spoiled for choice if you’re planning a winery wedding in Kelowna. Some of our favourites include Quails’ Gate, Mission Hill, Tantalus Vineyards and Cedar Creek. All offer gorgeous views and, of course, something delicious to toast your elopement with!

Sanctuary Gardens, Kelowna wedding ceremony

Where to Elope in Penticton

1. Munson Mountain

One of the most well-known spots in Penticton, Munson Mountain is a beautiful place to elope with views of mountains and water all around you. Arrive at the top after a short little hike or stay a little lower down the mountain when you rent the gazebo.

2. SS Sicamous

The SS Sicamous is another of Penticton’s claims to fame. This large ship was first launched in 1914 and now sits on Okanagan Beach as a heritage site and museum. But it can also be rented out for events, such as weddings and elopements!

3. Rose Garden

Right next door to the SS Sicamous is Penticton’s Rose Garden. This charming garden features roses in bloom during the summer and a romantic gazebo. Note that this is a popular venue, so make your booking with the city ASAP if you want to elope here.

4. Linden Gardens

Linden Gardens is one of the most beautiful and serene venues in all of Penticton, offering everything from cherry blossoms and roses to streams and willow trees. While they’re set up to host weddings for as many as 300+ guests, there’s no reason why you can’t have an intimate elopement at Linden Gardens instead.

5. Skaha Pavilion

The Rotary Centennial Pavilion at Skaha Lake Park is available to be booked through the City of Penticton for your elopement ceremony. Set back from the beach, this pavilion offers beautiful views and a really romantic setting for couples.

6. Kaleden Hotel Park

If you can’t decide between a historic venue or outdoor elopement, you can enjoy the best of both at Kaleden Hotel Park on Skaha Lake. Here you can say your vows on the grassy area in front of the historic hotel’s facade with the beach right behind you.

7. God’s Mountain Estate

God’s Mountain is a Greek style estate overlooking a stunning vista of mountains and water. The property is set up to host small weddings of no more than 45 guests, so could work well for an elegant elopement with a few extra guests.

8. The Grist Mill and Gardens

Just 30 minutes from Penticton lies The Grist Mill and Gardens, a waterwheel-powered flour mill dating back to 1877. Besides the ancient mill, this property boasts gorgeous views, a bountiful garden and on-site restaurant – perfect for your Okanagan elopement!

9. One of Penticton’s beaches

As Penticton is bordered by both Skaha Lake and Okanagan Lake, you have a number of lakefront options for your beach elopement in Penticton. Note that beaches cannot be reserved for weddings or elopements, so you’ll need to arrive early and scout out the best spot. Click here to learn more about the city’s beaches.

10. A local winery

Like Kelowna, you can’t go wrong planning an Okanagan elopement at one of Penticton’s local wineries. See Ya Later Ranch is a popular option, with their large vineyard, rustic barn and gorgeous views. They even have a special elopement package. Other scenic wineries in Penticton include Wild Goose Vineyards, Poplar Grove and Bench 1775.

Rachel and Daniel's guests gather outdoors for their elopement in their nice clothes for wedding guests, Kayla Bowie Creative

Where to Elope in Vernon

1. Silverstar Mountain Resort

Vernon locals and visitors alike love to head to Silverstar Mountain Resort, just 30 minutes from the city, to hit the slopes in the winter. But Silverstar also hosts weddings and elopements of all sizes all year-round! Click here to learn more and book your elopement.

2. Kalamalka Lake Park

Kalamalka Lake Park is a beautiful grassland in the Coldstream Valley, just a few minutes south of Vernon. If you’re looking for a natural paradise with wildflowers, tall trees, mountain and lake views for your elopement, you’ll find it here. Just keep in mind that snakes and bears also call this park home, so be alert!

3. Predator Ridge

Predator Ridge is one of the most popular wedding venues in Vernon, but they have the perfect spot for elopements too. By their Log Cabin they have a scenic park ideal for ceremonies with up to 16 guests. You can learn more about weddings and elopements at Predator Ridge here.

4. Ellison Provincial Park

At over 200 hectares, Ellison Provincial Park offers lots of variety for your Vernon elopement. Find a spot along a tree-lined trail, head down to a rocky cove over the water, or climb up for a view over the lake and mountains. Note that some of the trails can be steep and that there’s no vehicle access in the winter.

5. Mackie Lake House

Mackie Lake House is a historic 1910 farmhouse that is under the care of the Mackie Lake House Foundation. This charming home and its surrounding garden landscape are the perfect spot for both intimate elopements and large-scale weddings. Check out more details here.

6. Swan Lake

One of the big three lakes in Vernon, Swan Lake is a little quieter than Kalamalka Lake or Okanagan Lake, which might make it better suited for a private elopement. Enjoy picturesque water and wetland views, plus keep your eyes peeled for some of BC’s best birdwatching!

7. Culinary Confetti Farm

Culinary Confetti Farm is a wedding venue in Vernon, BC that promises incredible views, an edible landscape, and a B & B & Beyond atmosphere for you and your guests. While they typically hold larger weddings, they are available for more intimate celebrations. They even host a winter micro wedding/elopement option!

8. Sparkling Hill Resort

If you’re looking for the ultimate peaceful spot for your Okanagan elopement, or want to combine your elopement with a spa weekend, check out Vernon’s Sparkling Hill Resort. You can plan a full romantic weekend, complete with spa treatments, fine dining and an elopement with a view!

9. Tin Poppy Retreat

Just under an hour north of Vernon lies Tin Poppy Retreat. Not only will you have a beautiful and lush North Okanagan backdrop for your elopement, but Tin Poppy even has special elopement packages that include dining and accommodation. Learn more here.

10. A local winery

The Okanagan Valley is known as BC’s wine growing region, so of course we’re going to recommend Vernon wineries for your Okanagan elopement. Some of the most beautiful ones in the area include 50th Parallel, Ex Nihilo and The Perch.

Micro weddings became a big thing during the pandemic when celebrations were forced to scale down. But years later, micro weddings are still a popular choice.

At Young Hip & Married we officiate everything from elopements with just the couple and two witnesses to huge weddings with hundreds of guests. We’ve definitely noticed that smaller and more intimate celebrations are appealing to more and more couples.

If you’re getting married and considering a micro wedding in Vancouver, we’ve put together a guide to help you find out if a micro wedding is right for you, plus everything you need to know to plan one.

Then keep reading for examples of some of our favourite micro wedding venues in Vancouver!

What is a micro wedding?

A micro wedding is a smaller wedding, usually with no more than 50 guests. It has all the hallmarks of a regular wedding, but scaled down. The focus is usually on a more intimate and casual celebration.

Micro weddings can be any style you want: From a casual dinner party for 10 or a backyard BBQ for just your immediate family to an elegant banquet or rager of a dance party for 45 close friends.

The only thing all micro weddings have in common is their small size – besides that, you get to make it your own!

Courtney and Jeff micro wedding elopement ceremony in Vancouver with Officiant Lonnie, Clint Bargen Photography

Who is a micro wedding for?

Micro weddings are perfect for couples who want to celebrate their love, but not with everyone they’ve ever met. They can be a good choice for a couple who wants a smaller party, more one on one time with guests, and less pomp and circumstance.

Many destination weddings or wedding weekends fit into a micro wedding definition, as usually these guest lists are more limited. Destination and weekend weddings are awesome ways to spend more time with your guests over a few days, rather than just having a single evening together.

Micro weddings are also a great way for couples to save money. While you can definitely go all out on your micro wedding, it will always be cheaper to have fewer guests than more guests.

Officiant Melinda Eanimi + Emmanuel wedding ceremony by Taylor Dawning Photography

Find the perfect officiant for your micro wedding.

Book your Micro Wedding Officiant!

Get in touch

Why have a micro wedding in Vancouver?

Vancouver is an excellent place to host your micro wedding because:

1. Vancouver is a natural paradise! From Stanley Park to Kits Beach and Grouse Mountain to Pitt Lake, there is no shortage of beautiful backdrops to get married in front of in Vancouver, BC.

You can make the most of Vancouver’s outdoor beauty with a smaller guest list. You’ll have a much easier time hosting a micro wedding for 15 in Stanley Park than trying to get 150 people to attend.

2. Vancouver has a ton of beautiful micro wedding venues. Both indoors and outdoors, many of Vancouver’s best venues are ideal for 50 or fewer guests.

Some of our favourite spots include the Loft at Earls, Hycroft Manor, Vandusen Garden, Queen Elizabeth Park, Brix & Mortar and Sea to Sky Gondola. Check out more amazing Vancouver wedding venues here.

3. Vancouver can be expensive. Unfortunately, Vancouver is quite a pricy city. If you’re hosting a big wedding here, that means paying a ton for venues, food, drinks, entertainment, decor, etc.

A Vancouver micro wedding will be a lot friendlier on your budget, leaving you room to splurge on what matters most or save your money for non-wedding expenses.

Heather and Joshua wedding ceremony with Officiant Charlie, Emily and Colin Photographers

Examples of real micro weddings in Vancouver

Check out examples of real micro weddings in Vancouver at some of our favourite Vancouver micro wedding venues!

Micro wedding checklist & timeline

A micro wedding is a lot like a larger wedding, but just on a smaller scale. Because micro weddings are often more casual and intimate, you can choose to forgo a lot of the frills of a larger wedding – but only if you want to!

Your micro wedding can be low-key and low-budget or it can be sophisticated and luxurious. It’s up to you! Most couples choose a micro wedding because they like the more laidback feel, but there’s no reason why you can’t go luxe for your smaller affair.

With all that being said, here is your basic micro wedding checklist and timeline:

Kathlane and Michelle micro wedding elopement ceremony in Calgary with Officiant Rich, Deanna Rachel Photography

Step 1: Agree that you want to have a micro wedding

Very importantly, the first step of planning a micro wedding is agreeing that you actually want to have one! Sit down with your partner and discuss what you both want out of a wedding. If you’re both happy with a smaller party, continue planning.

Step 2: Decide on your budget and guest list

Once you’re set on a micro wedding, it’s time for the all important tasks of setting a budget and coming up with your guest list. This can be more difficult with a micro wedding since your guest list – and likely your budget – will be smaller.

Check out our tips for how to cut a big guest list if you’re struggling to narrow things down!

Step 3: Find a micro wedding venue and set the date

With your budget and guest list in mind, you now know what kind of venue you’re looking for. Will you be hosting your micro wedding at a chic downtown loft, rural barn, local park or your own backyard? The options for wedding venues are endless!

Need some suggestions for a Vancouver micro wedding? Check out some of our favourite Vancouver venues.

Step 4: Hire your micro wedding vendors

Once you’ve booked your venue and have your date, you’re now ready to hire your vendors. Make sure your vendors are comfortable and experienced with micro weddings so they can help you execute your vision.

Photographers and wedding planners/coordinators are usually the first vendors you’ll want to hire, as they often book up early and can only accommodate one wedding each day. You may also want to hire a florist, videographer, hair and makeup artist, caterer, bartender, decorator, DJ, etc.

And of course, you can’t forget your micro wedding officiant! Good thing we know a few officiants who fit the bill.

Step 5: Plan your ceremony and reception details

With your vendors in place, you can now work together to plan out the timeline and details of your day. What food will you be serving? When will you be getting ready? What music will play during your first dance?

While it’s easy to get caught up in your reception details, don’t forget about your ceremony. Your ceremony is the most important part of the day – the part where you actually get married! Work with your officiant to plan a wedding ceremony that is creative, unique and true to you.

Step 6: Enjoy your micro wedding!

With all of the plans set, the only thing left to do is to enjoy your incredible micro wedding day!

Stanley Park elopement with Young Hip & Married officiant Jane Halton

Ready to create a wedding ceremony as unique as you are?

Contributors

Riana Ang-Canning

Riana has been working with Young Hip & Married since 2017. She is a professional content writer with experience in travel, lifestyle and weddings. Riana not only writes Young Hip & Married blog posts but is also involved with the company's internal communications, social media, copywriting and more. She knows YHM, and the wedding world, inside and out!

Get ready for take off at Fairmont Vancouver Airport with our brand new Runway Elopement package!

This package is perfect for couples who want to elope in style before taking off on their next adventure – hotel suite, officiant, photographer & dinner included!

Keep reading to learn more about this package, discover what’s included and book your Runway Elopement today!

The Runway Elopement experience

Here’s what a Runway Elopement at Fairmont Vancouver Airport entails:

You’ll check into your 1,250 square foot Jade Suite in the afternoon where you’ll find a welcome amenity and beautiful views awaiting you. Not a bad way to start an elopement, right?

Once you’re all settled in, it’s time for your intimate ceremony. You’ll say your vows while overlooking the YVR runway and North Shore Mountains. Your Young Hip & Married wedding officiant will lead a short and sweet ceremony, featuring vows you wrote courtesy of our free vow writing course, while your elopement photographer captures every special moment.

The Jade Suite at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport — *The Jade Suite at Fairmont Vancouver Airport*

You can choose to keep things intimate – just you, your boo and your Young Hip & Married officiant and photographer – or invite up to 10 loved ones to join you. Don’t worry, your suite has lots of space for everyone!

Prefer to get married outdoors? Let’s hit the beach! If you’d rather have your elopement ceremony outdoors than in your suite, we’ll meet you at nearby Iona Beach Park for a beautiful, waterfront ceremony. You’ll still have exclusive use of the Jade Suite for the day/night of your elopement.

Young Hip & Married elopement at Iona Beach Park — *Iona Beach Park, photo by Erica Miller Photography*

After your ceremony, celebrate with dinner for two at the Globe@YVR, plus evening canapés thanks to your Fairmont Gold access.

Following a wonderful night in the Jade Suite, you’ll wake up to enjoy a deluxe hot breakfast in the Fairmont Gold Lounge before heading off on your honeymoon or next adventure!

What the Runway Elopement includes:

Fasten your seatbelt and prepare for takeoff, because this elopement package has just about everything you could dream of!

What’s included:

An intimate “gather and wed” elopement ceremony with an awesome ceremony script provided by your Young Hip & Married officiant (apx 5-10 minutes in length)
Performance and facilitation of your ceremony with up to 10 guests and the legal registration of your marriage (of course!)
1 hour of professional photography to capture the moments before, during and after your elopement ceremony
50 fully-retouched high-resolution images displayed in an online gallery within 5 weeks of your wedding date with instant downloads available and a print release of your images
1 night stay at the Jade Suite | Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel
- Includes use of the suite for your elopement ceremony
1 night of parking for one vehicle
1 Chef’s choice welcome amenity
Witness provided by Fairmont Vancouver Airport (if required)
Complimentary access to Young Hip & Married’s online vow writing course
Dinner for two at the Globe@YVR ($300 value)
Fairmont Gold access
- Includes evening canapés, deluxe hot breakfast & more!

Additional services: (by request)

Videography
Champagne toast
Wedding florals
Mini wedding cake
Additional photography time

Price: Starting at $3,147+ GST

Young Hip & Married elopement couple kissing at YVR Airport — *by Erica Miller Photography*

How to book your Runway Elopement at Fairmont Vancouver Airport

To book your Runway Elopement or inquire for more details, fill out our contact form and mention this package when our customer service team gets in touch! They’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you have and confirm availability for your desired date.

Whether you’re flying into Vancouver for your destination wedding, tying the knot before you jet off on your dream honeymoon, or just looking for a luxurious venue and all-inclusive package to say your I do’s, we can’t wait to marry you with our Runway Elopement at Fairmont Vancouver Airport!

Contributors

Riana Ang-Canning

If you’re looking for a place to elope in Vancouver that combines urban and natural settings, mountain views and beach views, greenery and water – plus a venue that’s not overly crowded or hard to get to – we think we’ve found it all for you at Trout Lake Park!

A Trout Lake Park elopement in Vancouver is perfect for couples who want a bit of everything and who want to get married in the heart of the city. The park offers stunning backdrops to your wedding photos, easy access via car or transit, and a fun neighbourhood to celebrate your elopement after the fact!

Keep reading to hear why we love Trout Lake Park elopements!

Newlyweds Bobby and Tracy posing at Trout Lake Beach after their Trout Lake Park elopement — *by Erica Miller Photography*

All about Trout Lake Park in Vancouver

Trout Lake Park is located in East Vancouver and acts as a hub for the neighbourhood. It’s home to Trout Lake Beach, Trout Lake Community Centre, playgrounds, sports fields, nature paths, off-leash dog parks, and more.

In the summer, expect to find lots of people out enjoying Trout Lake Park. Besides the usual offerings, the park has a weekend farmers market and hosts outdoor concerts in the summer. Summer’s end is marked with a lantern procession with fun for the whole family.

Trout Lake Park is also known as John Hendry Park, named after the founder of BC Mills, a major lumber company that opened in 1875.

Real weddings in Trout Lake Park: Mason & Hana

Hana and Mason stretching their calves in a faux yoga pose leaning against a pillar at the Trout Lake Community Centre — *by Emily Nicole Photos*

Mason readings his vows to Hana during their Trout Lake elopement with the lake and greenery behind them — *by Emily Nicole Photos*

As Vancouver wedding officiants, we’ve had the pleasure of marrying a number of couples at Trout Lake. One elopement story we’d love to share with you is Mason and Hana’s!

Mason and Hana came to Vancouver from Minnesota to elope with us. They knew they wanted to get married in Vancouver, but they weren’t sure where. We suggested Trout Lake Park and it ended up being the perfect destination.

Hana and Mason wanted to have a bit of nature and some urban surroundings for their wedding photos. Trout Lake Park is the perfect mix of both!

Newlyweds standing in front of a concrete wall with green ivy and leaves snaking up it — *by Emily Nicole Photos*

Vancouver Wedding Officiant Jane and Emily (of Emily Nicole Photos) were thrilled to meet Mason and Hana at Trout Lake in East Vancouver. Complete with a lake, mountain views, a beach, willow trees, maple trees and an awesome modern building (the Trout Lake Community Center), Mason and Hana had all the options for their Vancouver elopement.

This funky and fun couple had a blast tying the knot with us! We even found local park-goers to stand in as their witnesses.

Why we love Trout Lake Park for a Vancouver elopement

If you’ve thought about eloping in a park in Vancouver, you might be thinking of Stanley Park. And while we love Stanley Park elopements, Vancouver is home to many other beautiful parks perfect for an elopement.

We especially love Trout Lake because of the diverse backdrops available to you. Whether you want to tie the knot on the beach, under the trees, against a cool concrete building or with the mountains behind you, you have all the options available at Trout Lake Park.

We also love Trout Lake because it’s not as crowded as Stanley Park. You’ll have an easier time finding parking and it’s better suited to small children and furry friends, if you’re bringing kids or dogs along to your Vancouver elopement.

Young Hip & Married wedding officiant Jane Halton officiating an elopement at Trout Lake Park — *by Erica Miller Photography*

What you need to know to plan your Trout Lake Park elopement

As per the City of Vancouver website, to hold your wedding in a park, you will need a park wedding ceremony permit. However, because Trout Lake Park is not one of the city’s designated outdoor wedding sites (as of March 2024), they instead require you to obtain a special events permit.

You can learn more about park wedding permits, including the list of designated wedding sites and permit fees, here.

Note that permits are not required to take wedding photos, as long as you’re not setting up any equipment. It’s also worth noting that not all couples choose to obtain permits for quick elopements.

Elopement couple saying their vows under a large green tree in Trout Lake Park with Vancouver Wedding Officiant Jane Halton — *by Emily Nicole Photos*

More of our favourite elopement locations in Vancouver

While we love a Trout Lake Park elopement, there are tons of other places you can get married in Vancouver. Check out some more of our favourite elopement locations in the posts below and don’t forget to book your Intimate Elopement + Photography package with us!

Contributors

Riana Ang-Canning

One of the most beautiful places in all of Canada to tie the knot is Vancouver Island. Home to picturesque coastlines, stunning hilltops, scenic wineries and, yes, even fairytale castles, it’s no wonder so many of our couples choose to get married in and around Victoria, BC.

We recently chatted with Young Hip & Married Officiant Melinda all about marrying couples on the Island. She was so passionate about Vancouver Island weddings that we had to invite Melinda back to share some of her favourite elopement locations around the Island.

Keep reading to learn why Melinda loves officiating for couples on Vancouver Island and her top Vancouver Island wedding locations!

A very special thank you to Melinda for not only filling us in on her favourite spots but also providing photos!

Vancouver Island wedding with Young Hip & Married officiant Melinda — *by Jayme Lang Photography*

Why should couples get married on Vancouver Island?

Melinda: Vancouver Island is a stunning place to get married. There are endless options for wedding venues, including beaches, forests, gardens, resorts, and even castles.

What are some of your favourite Vancouver Island wedding locations?

Melinda: Vancouver Island has so many incredible places that will suit every kind of wedding adventure.

It’s always fun to see it through the eyes of people who don’t live here. They are always in awe of the beauty of the island. I’m so grateful to live and work in this magical place.

Melinda’s top recommendations for where to get married on Vancouver Island

1. Francis/King Regional Park (Saanich, BC)

Francis King Park upper area with boardwalk through the forest — *Francis King Park (upper)*

Francis King Park lower area with forest of trees — *Francis King Park (lower)*

The park features ancient trees up to 600 years old and is perfect for a magical forest elopement. There’s the lower part of Francis King Park where I actually officiated my first wedding under the “Miracle Tree.”

There’s also the upper part of Francis King Park with trails running through the forest. There’s a boardwalk, which makes this location more accessible for wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

2. Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse (Saanichton, BC)

Sea Cider Farm is a great place for a wedding or elopement on Vancouver Island. They’ve got great staff, a beautiful forested venue for the ceremony, and a chic-rustic reception hall.

3. Horticultural Centre of the Pacific (Victoria, BC)

I love Horticultural Centre of the Pacific as a Victoria wedding venue because it has so many options!

There is a dedicated ceremony space overlooking a small lake, a classy west coast themed pavilion, and my personal favourite, the Japanese Garden.

Envision yourself getting married on the bridge in a lush fern grotto, with a flowing creek and gorgeous flowers all around you. It’s absolutely magical!

4. East Sooke Park: Aylard Farm and Iron Mine Bay (Sooke, BC)

Aylard Farm in East Sooke Park, Victoria elopement location — *Aylard Farm*

Iron Mine Bay in East Sooke Park, beach with two dogs on the sand — *Iron Mine Bay*

East Sooke Park is the ultimate west coast experience, perfect for couples looking to elope on the beach. Two of my favourite spots in the park for elopements are Aylard Farm and Iron Mine Bay. Just remember to bring your hiking boots!

5. Cordova Bay Beach (Victoria, BC)

Cordova Bay Beach offers white sand, driftwood, and a stunning view of Mount Baker and the San Juan Islands. What more could you need from a Vancouver Island elopement spot?

6. Hatley Castle (Victoria, BC)

For the superhero movie fans, what could be better than getting married at Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters or Lex Luthor’s lair? Both of those were shot at Hatley Castle in Victoria, BC.

Even if you’re not a superhero fan, Hatley Castle is still a magical place on the Island to get married and bring all of your fairytale visions to life.

More Victoria & Vancouver Island elopement inspiration

Looking for even more places to elope or get married on Vancouver Island? Check out these helpful posts!

Learn more about our Vancouver Island Elopement & Photography Package
Get to Know Victoria Elopement Photographer Jade!
Where to Elope in Victoria (picks by Tulle & Tweed Photography)
Where to Elope in Victoria (picks by Taylor Roades Photography)
More of our favourite Vancouver Island elopement and wedding spots

Thanks again to Officiant Melinda for sharing her favourite Vancouver Island wedding and elopement locations with us!

If you’d like Melinda to officiate your wedding on the Island, you can learn more about her here. You can also check out our ceremony packages and get in touch to book yours today!

With over a year of weddings under her belt, we thought it was about time you met our fantastic Vancouver Island wedding officiant, Melinda Orlowski!

Melinda is a ray of sunshine, bringing so much care and positivity to her couples and to the rest of the team here at Young Hip & Married. She also has an eye for spotting some of the best wedding locations on Vancouver Island, which she’ll be sharing with us in a future blog post!

Read on to learn all about Melinda, what she loves most about officiating and what you need to know about choosing your wedding vendors!

Please introduce yourself, Melinda! Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Melinda Orlowski, and I am an ordained minister, wedding officiant, life celebrant and metaphysical practitioner.

How long have you been officiating weddings?

I was ordained through the University of Sedona in July 2022, and I officiated my first wedding in October 2022. It’s the happiest job ever!

Young Hip & Married wedding officiant Melinda leading a ceremony on the beach on Vancouver Island — *above & feature image by Jades Photos*

When you’re not busy with weddings, how do you love to spend your time?

My partner Bill and I find our spirituality in nature and spend most of our leisure time foraging for wild food and hiking with two very active border collies.

In 2020, I was incredibly fortunate to connect with my biological family through Ancestry(dot)com. After a lifetime apart, we have been getting to know each other better. My sister has become my travel buddy.

As a former chef, I enjoy cooking and baking for my friends and family. And as a certified special events manager, I have a passion for planning special events.

I’m also a bit of a SJW (Social Justice Warrior), advocating for those who don’t have a voice. And I LOVE meditation. I try to meditate every day to stay grounded. I have a peaceful, happy life.

What is the best part about officiating weddings? The most challenging part?

The best part about officiating, aside from the wonderful couples I get to meet, is the authentic displays of emotion during the wedding… like when the couple sees each other for the first time, or when they recite their vows. Happy tears are my favourite emotion!

The most challenging elements of officiating are: (1) travel; and (2) hoping the couple remembers everything they are responsible for.

For one wedding, a wildfire shut down the road to Tofino, so it was a last minute scramble to travel to Whistler to marry my couple.

Another couple forgot to write their vows and asked me to make something up on the spot – that was a bit unnerving!

You definitely need to be adaptable in the wedding industry.

Selfie by Vancouver Island wedding officiant Melinda with her happy couple

Selfie by Victoria wedding officiant Melinda with her happy couple

Share a wedding story! What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve ever officiated?

The most memorable wedding I’ve ever officiated was a surprise wedding at a tattoo shop. The couple had been together for 15 years. The bride had asked her fiance how he wanted to celebrate their anniversary, and he said, “Why don’t we get married?” To which she responded, “We don’t have time for that!”

Well, the groom sprung into action and conspired with the bride’s family, their friends, the owner of the tattoo shop and Young Hip & Married to arrange a secret surprise wedding. I was initially hesitant to officiate a wedding where one person didn’t even know they were getting married, but after a long discussion with the groom and lots of reassurance that she would say yes, we started planning.

When the couple arrived at the tattoo shop on the big day, all of their friends and family were there to greet them. We told the bride what her fiance had planned and she was SO THRILLED that he had gone through all that effort to surprise her. I made sure she was not being coerced into getting married, and when she said “Let’s do it,” the ceremony began. It was so much fun!

When meeting with a couple, what’s the first question you like to ask them?

The first question I like to ask a couple is, “Tell me your love story – how did you meet, when did you know they were the one, and how did the proposal go?” I find most couples LOVE to talk about how they met, and as a wedding officiant, it gives me really good insight into the couple’s dynamics.

What is the best compliment a couple or wedding guest has ever given you?

So many wonderful moments… it’s hard to pick just one.

It was probably after officiating my first wedding. One family member said, “You did a beautiful job, that was such a nice ceremony. They are usually so boring and stiff.” I said “Pretty good for my first wedding, hey?” They were shocked and said, “Wow, you would never know!” That gave me a great confidence boost.

Then there was my Pender Bender couple, as I call them (they got married on Pender Island). Such lovely, gracious, beautiful people… the entire weekend felt like a big warm hug, and they followed up with one of the kindest reviews I’ve received so far. I even got a referral from them to another couple that I will be marrying soon!

If you had one piece of advice for couples looking for a Vancouver Island wedding officiant, what would it be?

When looking for a wedding officiant, find someone who is compatible with your own values, and make sure you really click. Your officiant is playing a part in one of the biggest days of your life, and everyone will have a better experience if they trust and connect with their officiant.

Have that interview – meet, discuss the vision for your wedding, and get to know each other so you feel comfortable. It’s all about the chemistry.

Eanimi & Emmanuel's wedding wedding with Officiant Melinda — *by Taylor Dawning Photography*

Who is your dream couple that you’d like to officiate for?

As a BC girl, I’d love to re-marry Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively. They are such fun, down to earth, kind people who are truly in love with each other. And Ryan is such a great Canadian icon. (Hey Ryan and Blake, if you want a vow renewal, hit me up!)

What is your dream ceremony setting?

Taking a helicopter up to the top of a glacier would be pretty cool!

Fun fact: I was once a witness for a helicopter wedding in the Grand Canyon, and that was very impressive.

Any other wedding dreams?

I would LOVE to do a Halloween-themed wedding, and I’m always up for a good wedding conspiracy to surprise family and friends. (I’ve done a few surprise weddings to date, and they have all been a blast!)

What song always gets you on the dance floor at weddings?

Sweet Caroline – a great one for all ages!

Thanks so much to Melinda for taking part in our officiant interview series. You can learn more about Melinda here and meet the rest of our Vancouver Island officiant team, plus check out all of our wedding packages.

Ready to get married on Vancouver Island? Get in touch to book your wedding officiant today!

We’re back with a new edition of our Real Weddings series. This time we’re featuring Bloedel Conservatory weddings – where you can get married in a lush tropical garden in the middle of Vancouver without worrying about the weather!

Bloedel Conservatory is located within Queen Elizabeth Park – check out more real weddings at Queen Elizabeth Park here – and at the highest point in Vancouver. That means you’ll have beautiful views both inside and outside the conservatory.

This is definitely one of the most unique wedding venues in Vancouver, perfect for all the plant parents out there. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about getting married at Bloedel Conservatory, plus see photos from real Bloedel weddings!

All about Bloedel Conservatory

Bloedel Conservatory is a glass dome tropical paradise home to over 100 exotic free-flying birds and over 500 plants and flowers. It’s the ultimate greenhouse filled with vibrant and lush wildlife. Despite being located centrally in Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Park, walking into Bloedel feels like you’ve stepped into a rainforest.

Visitors to Bloedel Conservatory can spend time admiring the plants and getting to know the resident birds as they walk along the paths inside the dome. Explore tropical rainforest habitats, engage your senses in the healing garden, track wildlife with a bird guide, and end your visit with a stroll through the gift shop.

Bloedel is accessible to wheelchairs, walkers, scooters and strollers. They also offer sensory support kits for visitors with sensory issues.

Fun fact: Bloedel Conservatory is the first BC Hydro Clean Energy Champion in the province thanks to their energy efficient upgrades, including a hydroelectric heat pump and LED lights, that helped to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90%!

Bloedel Conservatory wedding ceremony with Jane Halton of Young Hip & Married — *above and feature image by Erica Miller Photography*

Why get married at Bloedel Conservatory in Vancouver?

As you can tell from the photos throughout this post, Bloedel Conservatory is a beautiful place to get married in Vancouver! If you’re a plant lover, bird watcher or rainforest enthusiast, there’s no better spot to tie the knot. And even if you don’t have a green thumb, you have to admit that tropical foliage makes for a pretty epic ceremony background.

Because Bloedel is a glass-domed building, you never have to worry about the weather on your wedding day. We love that you can get the outdoor, natural look while actually being indoors. And because the dome is temperature controlled – mainly warm and humid to support its plant life – you also won’t need to worry about being cold or having to hide your wedding look with a coat.

Another great reason to get married at Bloedel Conservatory is for its accessibility. If you, your partner or one of your guests require wheelchair-accessible spaces, Bloedel is a great option. Unlike many natural areas with uneven terrain or steps, Bloedel allows you to have the natural look in a place everyone can get to.

After a ceremony at Bloedel Conservatory, you could wander through Queen Elizabeth Park to take more wedding photos. You could also hold your wedding reception or book a romantic dinner at Seasons in the Park, just next door to Bloedel.

Bloedel Conservatory elopement with Young Hip & Married — *by Breezy Photography*

What you need to know to plan your Bloedel Conservatory wedding

First things first: Bloedel Conservatory is home to hundreds of birds so if you’re afraid of birds, this probably isn’t the wedding venue for you. In fact, it’s not uncommon to have Bloedel’s birds squawking along throughout your ceremony, so you’ll need to decide if that would bother you or not.

Bloedel Conservatory is only available for weddings outside of opening hours in the morning (7:45-9:45am) or in the afternoon/evening (times vary by season). The plus to this is that you get the whole conservatory to yourself and aren’t sharing it with the public. The con is that the time slots may be a little inconvenient (not everyone wants to tie the knot before sunrise!).

These are the current fees and time slots for a Bloedel Conservatory wedding:

Your Bloedel wedding package includes: two hours of exclusive use, a liaison, admission for up to 50 people, a signing table and chair, and power access upon request. Note that the conservatory is only available for wedding ceremonies and/or photos but not wedding receptions. For more information and rental details, visit Bloedel’s website.

Once you’re ready to book your Bloedel wedding ceremony, you can make a rental inquiry here.

Real weddings at Bloedel Conservatory in Vancouver

Check out some real Bloedel Conservatory weddings as officiated by our team at Young Hip & Married! All of the couples below chose our Elopement + Photography package which is a great fit if you’re looking for a wedding officiant and wedding photographer.

Daniela & Peter’s intimate elopement at Bloedel Conservatory

Despite pandemic measures at the time (March 2021), Daniela and Peter were able to have a safe, intimate and beautiful elopement at Bloedel Conservatory. After their ceremony, they took some more outdoor photos around Queen Elizabeth Park with Emily Nicole Photos.

Deanna & Brian’s Bloedel Conservatory wedding with photography

Deanna and Brian tied the knot in May of 2023 with Officiant Shalom, Nassim of Breezy Photography and a few close friends. They loved their experience and left us this fabulous review:

“Shalom made the whole process easy and simple and gave us advice on what we needed to do leading up to our ceremony. Day of, she was amazing and sweet to work with and helped us figure out what were were doing! I love that we got paired with our photographer, Nassim, as well who gave us some amazing photos of our special day.

I 100% believe and will vouch that using Young Hip and Married is worth the price and would recommend their packages to anyone who is looking for wedding vendors.”

Samantha & Garret’s Bloedel Conservatory wedding ceremony

In October 2023, Samantha and Garret tied the knot in a beautiful pop up wedding at Bloedel Conservatory. They wanted a small wedding where they could add their own personal touches and celebrate their way. Their day was captured by Erica Miller Photography.

Is a Bloedel Conservatory wedding right for you? We think this is such a unique spot in the city of Vancouver and a beautiful place to celebrate your love no matter the weather outside.

Once you’ve booked Bloedel for your wedding ceremony, you’ll need a wedding officiant! Get to know our Vancouver officiant team and check out our Intimate Elopement + Photography package, perfect for weddings at Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park!

Contributors

Riana Ang-Canning

Want to get married in a lush park in the middle of the city with some of the best views in Vancouver? Then you might be planning a Queen Elizabeth Park wedding!

Queen Elizabeth Park is one of our favourite places to officiate weddings in Vancouver. We’ve married couples here in every season and weather condition, in ceremonies large or small, indoor or outdoor. Queen E has it all!

Below we’re sharing some more info so you can plan your own Queen Elizabeth Park wedding. Plus, we’re sharing photos and details from real weddings that took place at Queen Elizabeth Park.

Welcome to Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver

Queen Elizabeth Park is one of Vancouver’s most beautiful and beloved city parks. It’s also the highest point in the city, meaning there are stunning viewpoints – perfect for wedding photos!

At 52 hectares, Queen Elizabeth Park offers something for everyone. You can walk the lush green paths, check out exotic trees and birds at Bloedel Conservatory, play a game of tennis or pitch and putt, or sit down for dinner at Seasons in the Park.

Queen Elizabeth Park wedding ceremony with Young Hip & Married — *by Emily Nicole Photos*

wedding couple walking in Queen Elizabeth Park — *by Emily Nicole Photos*

Why get married at Queen Elizabeth Park?

Vancouver’s QE Park is a great option for weddings and elopements in the city. It’s central and easy to drive or take transit to; there are paid parking lots throughout the park.

The park offers a number of indoor and outdoor areas for your nuptials, as well as one of our favourite outdoor but covered spots for a rainy day elopement! Everywhere you look in the park is beautiful, so you’ll be spoiled for choice of where to take your wedding photos.

Queen Elizabeth Park also offers wedding and elopement options for all budgets. From renting out pavilions, conservatories and restaurants to free wedding photo sessions, you’ll find something that works for you at the park.

Queen Elizabeth Park wedding portrait with mountain view — *by John Bello Photography*

Everything you need to know about Queen Elizabeth Park weddings

There are a number of options for where to get married in Queen Elizabeth Park. We’ll walk you through them:

Getting married outdoors at Queen Elizabeth Park

To get married at an outdoor City of Vancouver park, you’re asked to obtain a park wedding ceremony permit for one of ten designated outdoor wedding sites (Queen Elizabeth Park is one of them). You can browse the sites here.

Permits require a wedding application fee ($51.50) and a permit fee of $110-497 depending on how long you need the space for, how many guests are attending your wedding or elopement, and the amount of decor and number of chairs you’ll be setting up. You can learn more about permits here.

Getting married at Bloedel Conservatory

Bloedel Conservatory is described as a “domed lush paradise” at the peak of QE Park. It’s home to over 100 exotic birds and 500 exotic plants and flowers. And being indoors, it’s a great way to have a natural backdrop for your wedding without worrying about the elements.

We’ll be doing a separate Real Weddings in Vancouver series on Bloedel Conservatory, as we have lots of photos and information to share about this wedding venue. So stay tuned!

Anna and Nikko's reception at Seasons in the Park banner — *by The Eunice & Co*

Getting married at Seasons in the Park

Seasons in the Park is Queen Elizabeth Park’s on-site restaurant offering luxury dining and stunning views. You can also rent out Seasons for private events, including wedding ceremonies and receptions.

There are four different spaces you can rent at Seasons in the Park for your wedding: the Main Dining Room (130 person capacity), the Skyline Room (70-90 person capacity), the Garden Vista (40-60 person capacity) and the Summit Room (50-60 person capacity). You can learn more about booking private events at Seasons here.

Getting married at the Queen Elizabeth Park Celebration Pavilion

There’s also the option to hold your wedding at Queen Elizabeth Park Celebration Pavilion, a covered pavilion that opens onto a private garden and patio. This venue includes more services than a simple outdoor wedding at the park, like an event liaison, speaker system, chair set up, getting ready space and wedding rehearsal.

Rates for the pavilion depend on the time of year, length of your wedding and time of day; rates start at $2130 + GST. The pavilion capacity is 100 people for a wedding ceremony and 48-65 for a reception. For more details about booking the pavilion, click here.

Wedding inspiration: Check out real weddings at Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver

Now that you know all about getting married at Queen Elizabeth Park, it’s time to check out some real weddings!

Anna and Nikko’s ceremony at Queen Elizabeth Park Celebration Pavilion & reception at Seasons in the Park

Anna and Nikko tied the knot at Queen Elizabeth Park with Officiant Jane this fall. They were married in the Queen Elizabeth Park Celebration Pavilion and even did their first dance on stage after their ceremony!

They followed that up with a fun stuffed toy toss in the private garden area and a reception at Seasons in the Park. Their reception included wedding toasts, the shoe game, cake cutting and an epic lion dance!

Photos above by The Eunice & Co.

Kristie and Jo-Ann’s outdoor summer Queen Elizabeth Park wedding

Kristie and Jo-Ann planned their perfect QE Park elopement with an outdoor summer wedding. Their ceremony was officiated by Young Hip & Married’s Wade and photographed by John Bello Photography.

We love the secluded ceremony space they used, their personal vows and cool wedding style!

Annie and Nick’s fall elopement at QE Park

While Queen Elizabeth Park is beautiful in the spring and summer, it’s also a stunning wedding venue in the fall! We love how Annie and Nick made the most of the park’s fall foliage during their elopement with Officiant Jane and photographed by Erica Miller Photography.

They also made use of one of our favourite spots in QE Park if you’re looking for a little rain cover. We call it the bus stop!

Jayme and Mike’s wedding by the Queen Elizabeth Park’s Love Locks Statues

Jayme and Mike showed off some of the cool structures around Queen Elizabeth Park for their winter/spring elopement with Officiant Rhona and photographed by Erica Miller Photography. They added their own love lock to the park’s famous Love Locks Statues.

Plus we love how Mike and Jayme brought their own unique style to their wedding day – how awesome are their outfits?

Nicole and Cameron’s family wedding at QE Park under rain cover

Nicole and Cameron decided to make their Queen Elizabeth Park wedding a family affair! We love when our couples invite their kids, parents, close loved ones and even furry friends to be a part of their intimate elopements.

Jane officiated for Nicole and Cameron, with photos by Amber Leigh Photography. They took advantage of our favourite outdoor covered area and the beautiful scenery in the park’s gardens.

Ready to get married at QE Park? Plan your perfect Vancouver park wedding!

Bride and groom with umbrellas in Queen Elizabeth Park — *above & feature image by Erica Miller Photography*

We hope this post has inspired you to plan your own Queen Elizabeth Park wedding. As you can see, the park is a gorgeous place to get married in the middle of Vancouver any season, any weather and any budget. There really is something for everyone at the Queen E!

Reach out to Queen Elizabeth Park for more information about booking your wedding at the park. And don’t forget to book your favourite Vancouver wedding officiant for the big day: Meet our team of Vancouver officiants and check out our ceremony packages!

Need more inspiration? Check out our other real weddings in Vancouver:

Contributors

Riana Ang-Canning

Calling all plant parents! If you’re interested in having a botanical garden wedding with Mother Nature providing the perfect backdrop to your vows, have we got the spot for you. Nestled in the heart of Vancouver, VanDusen Botanical Garden is a nature lover’s paradise and an enchanting place to have an outdoor or indoor wedding.

As an officiant team that has been marrying couples in Vancouver for over a decade, we’ve been lucky enough to officiate dozens of weddings at VanDusen. Each botanical garden wedding totally blows us away and reminds us of this natural gem we have in the middle of the city.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to host your special day at a botanical garden, plus check out photos from real weddings at VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver, BC!

What is VanDusen Botanical Garden?

VanDusen Garden was started by the Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association (VBGA) who formed in 1966 to lobby for the creation of the garden to promote public engagement in biodiversity. VanDusen Botanical Garden was opened in 1975 in the heart of Vancouver and is jointly run by the VBGA and City of Vancouver Park Board. They also operate Bloedel Conservatory nearby.

Today, VanDusen is a stunning 55 acre wonderland for the whole family to engage in our natural world. In addition to beautiful garden paths and plants to view, visitors can try their luck in the maze, go on a guided tour, visit the food and gift shops on site, or learn more at one of the educational activities on offer. There are also seasonal events at the garden, like the famous Festival of Lights every winter.

Why have your wedding at a botanical garden?

A botanical garden wedding sets the scene for a beautiful wedding day – no extra decor required! For couples looking to get married in a stunning outdoor oasis, there really is nothing better than a botanical garden.

Guests will be wowed by the backdrop to your nuptials and excited to wander around the garden during your cocktail hour or reception. With a botanical garden wedding venue, you’re giving your guests both something beautiful to look at and a place to explore. The garden also offers lots of beautiful places to take your wedding photos.

A botanical garden wedding would be a no-brainer for any plant loving couples. What better way to honour your green thumb than to get married in the middle of a gorgeous garden?

VanDusen botanical garden wedding ceremony with Young Hip & Married, queer wedding — *by Erica Miller Photography*

Everything you need to know about VanDusen Botanical Garden weddings

VanDusen Botanical Garden hosts both indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions. You can also inquire through their organization for weddings at Bloedel Conservatory. Please visit this page and reach out to vandusenrentals@vancouver.ca to inquire about availability.

Outdoor rentals at VanDusen are available from May to October each year. There are three locations to choose from: The Great Lawn (200 person capacity), Heron Lake (120 person capacity) or Meadow Pond (30 person capacity). If you’d like to add an indoor hall reception to your outdoor booking, you can do so at a discounted rate.

For more information about booking, payment, staffing and rehearsals, please visit the Park Board page for outdoor events at VanDusen.

If you’d prefer to hold your wedding indoors, VanDusen has three beautiful indoor spaces with garden views that you can book. You can also include garden access for you and your guests in your booking. Their indoor locations include the Visitor Centre (30-180 person capacity depending on which rooms are used), Flora Hall (70-135 person capacity) and Cedar Room (20-50 person capacity). For more info on indoor events, visit this page.

Check out real weddings at VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver!

We’ve had the pleasure of officiating a number of weddings at VanDusen Botanical Garden over the years and can confidently say it’s one of the most beautiful outdoor wedding venues in Vancouver. Check out some of our past couples tying the knot at VanDusen below:

VanDusen Botanical Garden wedding & Shaughnessy Restaurant ceremony

In addition to the beautiful outdoor and indoor venues at the garden, Shaughnessy Restaurant is an on-site dining location that also doubles as a wedding venue. Check out Ellie and Alan’s wedding ceremony at Shaughnessy with Officiant Jane and photos throughout the botanical garden captured by Lumina Weddings!

VanDusen Garden elopement

Doina and Valia chose something a little smaller for their botanical garden wedding – an elopement! Officiated by Young Hip & Married’s Vancouver officiant Lauren and photographed by John Bello, their day was a stunner!

Botanical garden wedding at VanDusen Meadow Pond

For Sabine and Miles’ special day, they decided on an intimate garden wedding at VanDusen’s Meadow Pond outdoor location. Their wedding was officiated by Shawn Miller and photographed by Erica Miller – our dynamic husband and wife wedding vendor team!

VanDusen Garden autumn wedding

Jennifer & Maria decided to get hitched on a beautiful fall day in VanDusen Garden. We love seeing the garden at a different time of year! Their nuptials were officiated by our Vancouver officiant Beth and photographed by Erica Miller Photography.

Ready to get married at VanDusen? Plan your perfect botanical garden wedding!

We hope this post inspired you to start planning your perfect garden wedding. No matter what is blooming, you’re guaranteed to have a beautiful backdrop for your I do’s at VanDusen. Reach out to VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver to learn more about hosting your wedding at the garden!

And once you have your venue set, it’s time to plan your ceremony. Check out our ceremony packages and meet our team of Vancouver officiants!

Looking for a beautiful place to get married in the heart of Vancouver that feels a million worlds away? Check out Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden! A wedding or elopement in Vancouver’s Chinese Garden could be the perfect option for your big day. Learn all about getting married at the Garden below and check out photos from real weddings at the Sun Yat-Sen Gardens!

What is Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden?

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is one of Vancouver’s top tourist sites offering guided tours, concerts, festivals, educational programs and, of course, beautiful gardens to walk through right in the heart of the city. The Garden features a Ming Dynasty style garden home, which you’ll see prominently featured in the real weddings below.

The Garden is actually two spaces, the Sun Yat-Sen Park, which is free to enter and managed by the City of Vancouver, and Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, which requires an admission fee. Weddings and elopements are booked through the Garden (details below).

Where is the Garden located?

Vancouver’s Chinese Garden is located in the city’s historic Chinatown. It is easily accessible by transit and an easy drive or ride from Downtown Vancouver. The Garden is located here.

How do I book Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden for a wedding?

The Garden offers both indoor and outdoor spaces for elopements and weddings of all sizes. They also offer rentals if you’d prefer to just do a wedding photoshoot or tea ceremony. Because Dr. Sun Yat-Sen is a registered non-profit, all rental revenue goes towards their mission of connecting cultures and communities.

Wedding spaces at the Garden include the Jade Water Pavilion, an outdoor covered pavilion perfect for up to 20 guests, Scholar’s Study and Courtyard, a hidden oasis for up to 50 guests, and the Hall of One Hundred Rivers, a 1300 square foot hall featuring local art. There are also small areas throughout the Garden that work best for elopements with less than 10 guests.

To book your wedding at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, check out their interior and exterior rental space options here and reach out to events@vancouverchinesegarden.com for more information and current pricing.

Check out real weddings at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Below we’re featuring a few real weddings that took place at Vancouver’s Chinese Garden, featuring our very own Young Hip & Married couples.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden elopement

Up first is Michael and Alyssa who were married in July 2023 by Officiant Erika in one of the Garden’s small elopement spaces. Photos below by John Bello Photography.

Vancouver Chinese Garden international elopement

Michel and Teresa were married by Officiant Jane at Sun Yat-Sen Gardens in June 2019, with photos captured by Clint Bargen Photography. This international couple, with heritage from China, France, Quebec and Thailand, were looking for a non-traditional wedding space, which they found at the Garden!

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden wedding with Young Hip & Married

In August 2022, Julia and Jeffrey hosted their wedding at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens with Officiant Shawn and Kathryn McLaren Photography. They did a first look in one of the Garden’s pavilions, said their vows in a beautiful courtyard, and even had their wedding rings inside a pokeball!

Intimate elopement at Sun Yat-Sen Gardens

In spring 2023, Amelia and Chris tied the knot with Officiant Erika and Breezy Photography. It was a beautiful day at the Dr Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden and these newlyweds had a great time showing off all the best corners of the Garden.

Ready to book your Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden wedding or elopement? Click here to learn more about their rental spaces and don’t forget to book your wedding officiant. With lots of experience marrying couples at the Garden, we’d love to help make things official for your special day!